Wow.

Going into this four game series with the Braves, I had hoped for a split. The Braves, even though they are trying to re-tool on the fly and aren't the same team we're used to seeing in those uniforms, are still the Braves. They usually beat up on teams like the Nationals. Just look at last year. Atlanta beat the Expos 15 times while losing only 4. The Nats, however, continue to surprise.

The Nationals beat the Braves tonight to win the series, 3 games to 1. Just as they shouldn't have lost last night's game, however, they shouldn't have won tonight.

Esteban Loaiza pitched his usual gem and as usual, got minimal support. Going into tonight's game, the Nats were generating 1.9 runs per game for Loiaza, by far and away the worst for any starting pitcher in the major leagues. Esteban gave up 2 runs over 6 innings, striking out a season high 6 batters. When he left, though, you just knew that something bad was going to happen.

And happen it did.

The Nationals should have lost the game tonight, and it was the 8th inning that should have done them in. Every once in awhile, the Nats play like they used to be the Expos. Tonight was one of those nights. Gary Majewski was just off enough to put his defense back on their feet, and seemed unprepared for the entire inning. Christian Guzman made a bad throw to first, a throw that replacement Carlos Baerga should have nabbed. He didn't Brad Wilkerson threw to third and hit the runner, allowing the 4th run of the inning to score. The Nats seemed out of synch throughout the inning. Heading into the bottom of the 8th inning, I was ready to walk to church to take care of a couple of items. However, the Nats pulled off one of their biggest comebacks of the young season.

To be fair, the Nationals didn't really win the game. Rather, Braves manager Bobby Cox lost it for his team. Dan Kolb began his long downhill spiral against the Nationals in April, when the team batted around in the 8th inning and scored 5 runs to put the game out of reach. Bobby Cox has been trying to find "safe" places within some games to allow Kolb to regain his confidence. This seemed like just such a game.

It wasn't.

Brad Wilkerson walked, and after Jamie Carroll grounded out, singles by Jose Guillen and Carlos Baerga [Nick Johnson was pulled for an acid reflux disorder] singled, driving home the first run of the inning. Vinny Castilla later doubled making it 6-5, and after an intentional walk, Gary Barnett greeted Kevin Grabowski with a bases clearing double, puting the Nats in front to stay 8-6. Chad Cordero saved his 15th game to close out the series with the Braves.

What's the deal with Gary Barnett? He launched a long 2 run home run in the 2nd inning and blasted a 3 run double in the 8th. Without Barnett, the Nats lose this game, and lose it big time. Barnett was signed for his defensive prowess, but he his hitting very well this year. The Nationals have the best defensive tandem behind the plate in the National League, and now both of them have become capable hitters.

Things looked a little grim for Nick Johnson there for a while. Initial reports said that he was removed from the game for "chest pains." Luckily, later reports indicated that he was having heartburn, or reflux problems. He'll be fine for tomorrow. Before being removed, Johnson got three more hits to raise his batting average to .333. I think the Nationals could withstand the loss of any single player save Nick Johnson. He's amazing.

I'm very happy for Vinny Castilla -- he needed that run scoring double in the 8th. He grounded into a double play with the bases loaded and again with runners on 1st and 2nd later in the game. He is transitioning before out very eyes. He is no longer the power hitter that he was, though his average and run production is still ok. He should end the season with acceptable numbers, but I worry about next season. He may not have another good year left in him.

It was a magical night. I wonder how many fans were in their cars or in the subway when Brad Wilkerson walked to lead off the 8th inning. A few weeks ago, I was hoping for a .500 season. Now, depending on how the Marlins look over the weekend, the Nats might actually have a shot at the division. Why the Nats? Why not!